Principal Combat Designer at Skydance

Austin, Texas, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Gaming, Interactive EntertainmentIndustries

Requirements

10+ years of professional experience in game design, with a significant focus on combat design
Shipped at least one title in a lead or principal role
Deep understanding of gameplay mechanics, player feedback loops, and the principles of game feel
Expertise in the 3C's (Character, Controls, Camera) and how they influence player perception and engagement
Proficiency with Unreal Engine, specifically blueprints and prototyping
Exceptional communication and leadership skills to articulate vision clearly and inspire a team

Responsibilities

Lead the design and development of all combat-related features, from high-level vision to detailed mechanics
Champion the 3C's (Character, Controls, Camera) to ensure a cohesive and highly polished player experience
Define what makes combat "feel good" through a deep understanding of player psychology, moment-to-moment feedback, and fluid gameplay
Create and maintain design documentation, including combat systems outlines, move sets, enemy behaviors, and more
Collaborate with engineering, art, and animation teams to ensure designs are feasible and executed to the highest quality
Prototype new combat mechanics and features in-engine
Mentor and provide guidance to other designers on the team
Conduct playtests, gather feedback, and iterate on designs
Stay up to date with industry trends and new technologies to push the boundaries of combat design

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Combat DesignGame DesignPrototyping3C's (Character, Controls, Camera)Design DocumentationPlayer PsychologyEnemy BehaviorsMentoring

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What is the salary range for the Principal Combat Designer position?

The annual salary range for this position in Los Angeles is $165,000 – $185,000, which may vary based on location, qualifications, experience, and other factors. This range is for base salary only and does not reflect total compensation.

Is this a remote position or does it require working in an office?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What skills and experience are required for this role?

Candidates need 10+ years of professional experience in game design with a focus on combat design, having shipped at least one title in a lead or principal role, deep understanding of gameplay mechanics and the 3C's (Character, Controls, Camera), proficiency with Unreal Engine blueprints and prototyping, and exceptional communication and leadership skills.

What is the company culture like at Skydance Games?

Skydance Games builds games through creativity, collaboration, and trust, empowering teams to take ownership, openly share ideas, and push boundaries. Every project is built with these core values, turning bold visions into experiences that resonate with fans.

What makes a strong candidate for the Principal Combat Designer role?

A strong candidate has 10+ years of combat design experience, has shipped a title as a lead or principal, excels in Unreal Engine prototyping, deeply understands the 3C's and game feel, and demonstrates exceptional leadership to mentor designers and collaborate across teams.

Skydance

Produces films, television, and interactive media

About Skydance

Skydance Media produces a variety of entertainment content, including feature films, television series, and interactive experiences. Their films, such as Mission: Impossible - Fallout and Annihilation, are designed to appeal to global audiences. The company also creates television shows like Grace and Frankie and Jack Ryan, which are available on popular streaming platforms. Skydance Interactive focuses on developing virtual reality experiences, starting with the VR shooter Archangel. Additionally, they have an animation division that collaborates with Ilion Animation Studios to create animated films and series. Skydance differentiates itself from competitors by offering a diverse range of high-quality content across multiple platforms, including films, TV, and VR. The company's goal is to entertain a wide audience by delivering engaging and immersive experiences.

Santa Monica, CaliforniaHeadquarters

2010Year Founded

$656.6MTotal Funding

DEBTCompany Stage

VR & AR, EntertainmentIndustries

501-1,000Employees

Benefits

Hybrid Work Options

Risks

Regulatory hurdles may delay the Skydance-Paramount merger's strategic benefits.

High-budget productions risk financial loss if revenues fall short.

Increased competition in animation could overshadow Skydance's new projects.

Differentiation

Skydance operates across films, TV, gaming, and animation, offering diversified entertainment.

The company partners with major platforms like Netflix and Amazon for content distribution.

Skydance's animation division collaborates with Ilion Animation Studios for high-end productions.

Upsides

Skydance's merger with Paramount enhances storytelling capabilities and cost efficiency.

The rise of streaming services boosts demand for Skydance's original content.

Growing interest in VR and interactive content aligns with Skydance's strategic focus.

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